Not Your Grandma’s Cross Stitch

Say what you will about the internet, while we so often feel like it’s taking us away from the simple pleasures and quality time with our hobbies, only the internet could bring back a thing like cross stitch. And is there even anything more quaint and nostalgic out there than cross stitching? Not only is the internet spreading the word that needlework is having a very cool comeback, but it’s providing the growing 21st century community with the inspiration, and more importantly the memes, to create an entirely new breed of cross stitch patterns.

Of course, this is probably not its first comeback for the craft. Cross stitch and needlework dates as far back as sixth century BC. Pieces of embroidery have been found preserved in ancient Egyptian tombs. Then again, this is not your grandma’s cross stitch…

The new generation of cross-stitch embroidery is all about pop culture references, highly inappropriate messages and kitschy framing. Even if you’re not looking for a new hobby, sites like Etsy are the perfect go-to for ready-made wall art to make your friends crack a smile.

Grandma’s favourite past time has well and truly found its place with the future generation. On the same website where you can find forums dedicated to topics like Bitcoin and tech start-ups, you can also find one for cross stitch. Reddit.com, a.k.a “the font page of the internet”, has over 30,000 members in its Cross stitch forum, all enthusiastically sharing their latest creations, tips and tricks.